Book five. In the "Fifth Reader" a definite attempt has been made to direct the young pupil to good literature with the object of developing his taste. The selections chosen are consequently the expression of high and noble ideas in artistic literary form. The authors have never for a moment forgotten the interests of the child. The selections of the "Fifth Reader" represent the life of animals, the world out of doors, the people of other countries, the early colonial days, and heroic incidents in the history of our country, with a dominating insistence upon kindness, courage, nobility, and the virtues of simple living. -- Preface